You’ve decided on a career in the health care industry and nursing! Congratulations, you will have a lifetime of rewarding experiences helping in the healing and care of others! But how do you go about it? Do you jump into a four-year bachelor’s program? Or do you enter the field as a licensed practical nursing (LPN) first to gain that experience working directly with patients within 18 months?

Penn State Berks offers a Practical Nurse non-credit certificate program designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes essential for practical nursing and prepares students to pass the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

Why become a Licensed Practical Nurse?

Becoming an LPN does not take as long as becoming a registered professional nurse. The Penn State Berks program will have students ready for the licensure exam within 18 months through evening and weekend classes. Once students pass the Board of Nursing exam the nursing begins. Students enter the workforce ready to care for patients. To become a registered nurse, a student is required to seek a bachelor’s degree at a four-year college or university.

LPNs have a positive work-life balance. Once LPNs are licensed, they can choose to work shifts (three 12-hour days, followed by a four-day break in between), per diem work (day to day work allowing flexibility and part-time hours), and night shifts (allowing availability during the day for family obligations).

LPNs also have a variety of work environments from which to choose. LPNs are hired in long-term care facilities or nursing homes to work with the disabled and elderly. LPNs may also seek to work in a physician’s office where they work with children and adults alike! Hospitals are another option. LPNs are hired to work in labor and delivery rooms and emergency departments. Home health is another option for LPNs. Exploring all these areas will help you find your fit.

Finally, future employment prospects for LPNs are on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the need for LPNs will rise 16 percent over time by 2024. Baby boomers are aging and health facilities will need LPNs more than ever.

How can Penn State Berks prepare you? The Practical Nurse Program will prepare students for the National Council Licensure Examination – Practical Nursing (NCLEX – PN) exam. Students will take courses on human anatomy and physiology, practical nursing and clinical hours, basic medical and surgical nursing care, and nursing care of adults and children. The certificate program requires approximately 617 classroom hours and 958 clinical practice hours offering students the experience and knowledge they need to become licensed to be a practical nurse.

Prospective students must pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) pre-entrance exam, have a high school diploma or GED, have a personal interview, present a clear criminal background check, current immunization records and obtain CPR certification.

For more information on the LPN certification program at Penn State Berks, contact Elaine Berish at 610-396-6230 or email her at emb1@psu.edu.